U.S. Rep. Castor Welcomes Newly-Appointed Democratic Colleagues to the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis

Statement

Following today's announcement on Democratic appointees to the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement welcoming her newly-appointed Democratic colleagues and emphasizing the urgent need for action on the climate crisis:

"I am humbled by Speaker Pelosi's confidence in me to lead the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and I again thank her for the opportunity to tackle climate change head on. The climate crisis already is taking a toll on my neighbors in Florida and communities across America. We have a moral obligation to act to protect our great country and future generations from the costly impacts of the changing climate. I am determined to begin work immediately and look forward to the commitment, passion, experience and perspectives of each of my Democratic colleagues.

"The newly appointed Democratic members of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis are ready to stand up to corporate polluters and special interests as we press for urgent action to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move toward a clean energy economy with a qualified workforce and a just transition. Climate deniers, fossil fuel companies and other special interests have had an outsized influence in promoting outdated, dirty policies and we will stand up to these forces -- we have no choice. We do not have the time for distractions or delay. Our moral obligation to act includes a responsibility to ensure that Americans who suffer disproportionately from climate change -- workers, communities of color and low-income Americans -- enjoy the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards as the wealthy.

"The Committee will propose new national policies for a clean energy economy based upon recommendations from citizens across America. This Committee's work will be informed by settled, cutting edge science and research focused on how climate change is impacting our people and communities -- and how we overcome these impacts. As President Kennedy once said at an earlier watershed moment in our nation's history, "Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. Man's reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvable -- and we believe they can do it again.'

"Climate change is not up for debate -- it is real and its costly consequences are undeniable. We must act boldly together, and I look forward to working with this distinguished and determined group of colleagues to do just that."

Read more about U.S. Rep. Castor's work to protect our environment, create a green economy and address the climate crisis here. The Democratic Members of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis are:

Congresswoman Kathy Castor of Florida, Chair
Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon
Congresswoman Julia Brownley of California
Congressman Sean Casten of Illinois
Congressman Jared Huffman of California
Congressman Mike Levin of California
Congressman Donald McEachin of Virginia
Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado

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